Bottle Feeding Research Articles

Evaluation of the efficiency in two different types of feeding appliances in unilateral cleft lip and palate neonates

Objective The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of using a heat-cured acrylic feeding appliance in comparison with soft vinyl feeding appliances in neonates with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. Patients and methods Twelve nonsyndromic newborn infants with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate were included in this study. The infants received a soft vinyl-feeding appliance from day 1 after birth until 2 weeks of age; the same infants received the heat-cured acrylic feeding appliance. With the same amount of milk (30 ml), the time taken by the infant to bottle feed was registered and recorded at two different situations; after waking up and at mid-day. The data were collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed using SPSS software. Results There was a statistically significant difference between the use of the heat-cured appliances and the soft vinyl appliances in the rehabilitation of neonates with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate regarding the time taken to feed a fixed amount of milk (30 ml) (P < 0.05). Conclusions The use of the heat-cured acrylic feeding appliance was more efficient regarding the time of feeding. On the other hand, parents preferred the soft vinyl feeding appliance for its ease of use.

The Kumagai Method Utilizing the Pigeon Bottle Feeder with a Long Nipple: A Descriptive Study for the Development of Feeding Techniques for Children with Cleft Lip and/or Palate.

We aimed to identify the steps involved in the Kumagai method-an experimental nursing procedure to feed children with cleft lip and/or palate, using a feeder with a long nipple. We conducted a descriptive study, enrolling five specialist nurses who have mastered the Kumagai method. Their approaches were examined using structured interviews. Moreover, the participants were asked to perform the sequence of actions involved in this method while describing each step. Therefore, we were able to explore the Kumagai method in depth and step-by-step, including the following aspects: correct infant posture; correct feeding bottle holding position; nipple insertion into the child's mouth; and feeding process initiation, maintenance, and termination. Each step comprises several clinically relevant aspects aimed at encouraging the infant to suck with a closed mouth and stimulating chokubo-zui, i.e., simulation of the natural tongue movement during breastfeeding in children without a cleft palate. In conclusion, when performed correctly, the Kumagai method improves feeding efficiency in children with cleft lip and/or palate. Feeders with long nipples are rarely used in clinical practice; the Kumagai method might popularize their use, thereby improving the management of feeding practices for children with cleft lip and/or palate.

Impact of the Introduction of Complementary Feeding Prior to the Sixth Month on Hemoglobin Levels and Weight Status

Background: An infant’s requirement for daily energy and nutrients appears to exceed what breast-feeding gives; consequently, incorporating complementary foods into the diet becomes vital for the growth and development of the infant. The study aims to explore the correlation between the age of complementary feeding introduction before the sixth month and its impact on hemoglobin levels and weight status. Subjects and Method: We conducted a case-series study at the Primary Health Care Center/Al-Tahrir, Baquba City, from April 18 to August 30, 2018. The study included a sample of three hundred fully developed infants, aged between 6 and 12 months, consisting of 180 males and 120 females. The dependent variable was complementary feeding. The independent variables were weight status, haemoglobin levels, and weught for age z-score. We obtained the data through face-to-face interviews with the child's mother using a structured questionnaire. Results: Among the women who took part in the study, 43% initiated the practice of providing additional food to their infants between the ages of 4 and 6 months. It was observed that the average hemoglobin level was higher in infants who consumed complementary feeding during the period of 4–6 months. A significant percentage of infants (52.6%) who initiated food intake by nursing or bottle feeding between the ages of 4-6 months exhibited weight levels within the normal range. In contrast, infants who had not yet commenced supplemental feeding showed a lower prevalence of normal weight levels. Furthermore, a majority of infants (83.3%) who engaged in supplemental feeding experienced an increase in hemoglobin levels and an improvement in weight. The research findings indicate that the introduction of supplemental nutrition throughout the period of 4 to 6 months of age has a significant impact on enhancing hemoglobin levels and weight among infants. Conclusion: The study's findings show that mothers frequently reported offering rice water, biscuits, and tea-soaked bread as their primary food sources.

Clinical and socio-demographic profile of pneumonia in children aged 2 months to 5 years

Among the common childhood illnesses, pneumonia is a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality in children throughout the world. Approximately, 150 million episodes of childhood pneumonia are reported every year, out of which 95% are from developing countries. In addition, socioeconomic and environmental factors like overcrowding, air pollution, passive smoking, practice of bottle feeding etc., contribute to the significant rise in incidence of pneumonia during recent years. The known factors affecting mortality are malnutrition, inadequate vaccination, illiteracy and lack of exclusive breast feeding.Pneumonia is one of the most prevalent Pediatric infections, and it is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children all over the world. Every year, approximately 150 million cases of childhood pneumonia are reported, with 95 percent of cases coming from underdeveloped nations. Furthermore, socioeconomic and environmental variables like as overcrowding, air pollution, passive smoking, and the practice of bottle feeding, among others, have contributed to the large increase in pneumonia incidence in recent years. Malnutrition, inadequate immunization, illiteracy, and a lack of exclusive breast feeding are all documented variables that contribute to mortality.A total of 120 children in the age group of 2 months to 5 years, diagnosed with Pneumonia as per standard definition were enrolled in the study. Detailed history was taken including socio demographic factors and physical examination was done in all children. Appropriate investigations were done. : Children aged between 2 and 12 months constituted 60% of cases. The male to female ratio was 1.5:1. 27.5% children had low birth weight, 63.3% were exclusively breast fed up to 6 months of age. Severe and very severe pneumonia was seen in 90% of children between age group 2 months and 2 years, 63.6% with low birth weight, and 66.6% with partial immunization status. Significant association was found between early weaning and severity of pneumonia (45.45% vs 26.3%).Children less than 2 years are more prone for developing pneumonia. Low birth weight, partial immunization status of the children, early weaning, history of bottle feeding, lower socioeconomic status, overcrowding, malnutrition and lack of maternal literacy were shown to have an increased risk for severe and very severe pneumonia in children. As most of the above stated factors are modifiable, the implementation of various preventive and educational programs in our society has a likelihood to reduce the occurrence and severity of pneumonia in children

Pediatricians’ Awareness and Knowledge of Young Children’s Oral Health: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Most childhood oral diseases can be prevented, and the indispensable role of pediatricians in childcare uniquely positions them to champion standard oral and dental healthcare for children. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of pediatricians regarding early childhood caries (ECC), oral health, and the treatment needs of their young patients. Subject & Methods: A total of 449 pediatricians were randomly shared in an online self-reported cross-sectional survey which covered personal details, their approach to pediatric dentistry, and their knowledge of oral health. Results: Importantly, 67.9% of surveyed pediatricians recognized the significance of pediatric dentistry, and 88.9% reported conducting regular oral examinations. However, only 22.3% demonstrated familiarity with ECC, and a mere 5.6% acknowledged the cariogenic nature of medicated syrups. All pediatricians who participated in this study did not advise bottle feeding, nearly 91.75% of the pediatricians could relate the importance of breastfeeding and oral health, 60.1% of pediatricians reported that health education should be given to mothers about nursing caries starting early in life. Conclusion: The study highlights a notable deficiency in the surveyed pediatricians' knowledge concerning ECC, oral health, and the dental treatment needs of children. The identified knowledge gaps emphasize the imperative for pediatricians to enhance their understanding by staying current with recent recommendations. Continuous education initiatives, workshops, or other professional development avenues are essential for pediatricians to address these deficiencies effectively, enabling them to contribute significantly to the standardization of oral and dental healthcare for children and ultimately promoting improved overall health outcomes.

Assessment of Feeding Patterns for Children below Two Years of Age in PHCCs in Karbala

Abstract Breastfeeding is considered the healthiest start for babies. Breast milk should be the only food offered to infants for the first six months of life. The first two years of age are very important for the child's growth and development, Poor feeding patterns in children may lead to their undernutrition, which is a major public health problem. Objectives: To investigate and document the prevailing feeding patterns practiced by care givers for children under the age of two in Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) within Karbala. To identify factors influencing caregivers' decisions regarding the choice of feeding practices for infants and young children attending PHCCs in Karbala. Patients & Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. A convenient sample included 680 mothers of children below two years of age, and the mothers' ages were more than thirteen years. The study was carried out at ten PHCCs in Karbala City from January 5–28, 2023. Results: The results showed that the majority of children (63%) were breast feeding and most of the mothers were housewives, There was a significant relationship between the type of feeding and type of labor (p=0.000*). Conclusion: Breastfeeding was the most common feeding pattern among children included in the study, but still, there were baby’s bottle feeding without real indication for using it. Recommendation: Encouraging breastfeeding and increasing awareness about it among women of childbearing age.

An Overview of the Possible Exposure of Infants to Microplastics.

Microplastics are small plastic pieces with sizes less than 5 mm. They are becoming a global concern due to the potential risk to human health. The potential risks of microplastics may be greater for infants because they do not have sufficiently developed metabolizing enzymes, have less ability to remove microplastics, and have highly sensitive target organs. Infants should be breastfed for the first six months of life. Breast milk is considered to be the most complete and suitable source of nutrition. However, if breastfeeding during this period is not possible, it is necessary to use formulas designed for infant initial feeding. Infants may be exposed to higher levels of MPs through infant foods or plastic products. The aim of this study is to describe the possible sources of exposure to microplastics such as the human placenta, plastic feeding bottles, and toys as well as the presence of released microplastics in infant feces, breast milk, and infant formulas. There is still not enough data available for this study area. Therefore, it is necessary to pay increased attention to minimizing the negative effects of microplastics on human health.

Awareness and Support of Responsive Bottle Feeding Among WIC Counselors and Caregivers: A Formative Qualitative Study

To understand the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) counselor experiences discussing responsive bottle feeding during counseling and WIC participants' knowledge, understanding, and use of responsive bottle feeding. Qualitative descriptive, semistructured interviews with 23 participants (8 WIC counselors and 15 WIC participants) were conducted online via Zoom. The WIC counselors and mothers of WIC-enrolled bottle-fed infants were recruited through a network of WIC clinics in North Carolina. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and collaboratively analyzed using content analysis. The WIC participants received responsive infant feeding support from WIC counselors but often in the context of breastfeeding. WIC counselors provided valuable support for families but were challenged by limited training on responsive bottle feeding, balancing promoting breastfeeding with supporting mothers' feeding decisions, and time constraints. Findings provide preliminary support for the need to develop and pilot an intervention focused on promoting responsive feeding for parents of bottle-fed infants.

Growth patterns of children under 5 years old in rural area northern of Abha, Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia.

Measuring and monitoring physical growth is a key element in assessing children's health. The physical and mental development of a growing child are indicators of good health and nutrition. This study aimed to explore the patterns of growth parameters among children under 5 years old attending primary health care centres (PHCCs) in rural northern Abha. Feeding habits during the first 2 years of life were also assessed. This study was conducted on 1-5 April 2022 in all (PHCCs) in Billasamr and Ballahmar, two neighbourhoods of northern Abha. The investigator designed a form for collecting each child's age (months), weight (kilograms), gender, birth order, number of family members, type of feeding (exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive bottle feeding, or mixed feeding), and duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Gender affected the body weight of Saudi infants, as boys weighed significantly more than age-matched girls. Birth order also affected body weight. During the first and third years of life, Saudi children's body weight was not significantly affected by feeding type. During the second and fifth years of life, formula-fed children weighed more than breastfed or combination-fed children. However, during the fourth year of life, body weight was highest in combination-fed children. Growth patterns over time, established from multiple data points, must be used in conjunction with other medical and family history to evaluate appropriate growth. Recording and tracking body size, especially recumbent length and weight, as part of well-baby care is critical for any assessment of child wellbeing and health status.

National survey of infant feeding bottles in Germany: Their characteristics and marketing claims.

Bottles and teats are ubiquitously used for feeding infants and young children. Yet there are limited empirical studies on the scope of infant feeding bottles, their attributes, or their marketing claims. We report the first comprehensive survey on infant feeding bottles and teats in Germany. We aimed to explore the extent of bottles and teats available in Germany, describe their physical attributesand analyze their marketing claims. A cross-sectional survey of German bottle and teat manufacturer websites was conducted between June and November 2022. Product attributes are presented with descriptive statistics and photographs. Marketing claims are summarized in a descriptive content analysis. We identified 41 brands encompassing 447 unique products (226 bottles, 221 teats). The majority of bottles were plastic (147, 65%) or glass (64, 28%), and the majority of teats were silicone (188, 85%). Most brands (38, 93%) promoted products using one or more inappropriate marketing claims, including equivalency to breastfeeding (29, 73%), idealization through technical or medical descriptions (23, 58%), claims on disease prevention (31, 78%), references to naturalness (29, 73%),infant autonomy (10, 25%), and endorsements from parents (10, 25%) or health professionals (11, 28%). The majority of bottles and teats available in Germany appear to be marketed inappropriately and hold the potential to undermine public health recommendations on infant and young child feeding. Therefore, we recommend Germany strengthens legislation on the marketing of bottles and teats in accordance with the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes.

Read the Feed: High-Emotion Simulation of Preterm Feeding to Enhance Graduate-Level Training.

Therapeutic bottle feeding is a critical skill for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) managing the increasing and medically complex neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and early intervention caseloads. Thus, we explored the role of a high-emotion preterm simulator, known as "Paul," to increase knowledge, skills, and confidence related to infant feeding management for speech-language pathology graduate students. A randomized controlled study compared learning outcomes of 27 participants following either a 1-hr lecture or 1-hr training with a preterm simulator. Outcomes included knowledge demonstrated on written examination, accuracy in identifying stress cues during simulated feeding, and self-reported anxiety levels related to clinically assessing infant feeding. No baseline group differences were found on written examination or during a simulated bottle feeding. Both groups improved in written examination scores and identification of stress cues (p < .001). Gains in written examination scores did not significantly differ between groups; however, after training, the simulator group correctly identified more stress cues during a simulated bottle feeding (p < .001), and the lecture group reported reduced anxiety related to clinically evaluating infant feeding compared to simulator-trained students (p < .05). All students demonstrated gains in written knowledge and identification of stress cues; however, simulation-based training was superior in developing the feeders' ability to identify stress cues during a hands-on simulated bottle-feeding scenario. Lecture-based training may have inflated students' perceptions in their clinical skills as they were less accurate in identifying stress cues during a simulated feeding but reported significantly reduced anxiety for administering a clinical evaluation of infant feeding compared to simulation-trained students. Hands-on training using high-fidelity simulation may capitalize on experiential learning to better build clinical feeding skills for future SLPs who may serve in NICU and early intervention settings, while eliminating the risk of potential errors during learning that could affect fragile neonates.

Bolus Feeding Via Gastric Versus Oral Routes in Very Preterm Neonates.

We intend to investigate the association of bolus orogastric tube (BOG) and nipple bottle (N) feedings with postnatal growth in very premature neonates (VPN: gestational age between 28 and 33 weeks). The days of life (DOL) to achieve full combined oral and gastric enteral nutrition (FEN) and attain body weight (BW) of 2200 g (Wt22) and the length of hospitalization (LOH) were retrospectively associated with clinical and BOG and N feeding-related variables via multivariate regression analyses. Correlations were performed to ascertain the strength of associations. In a cohort of 127 VPN, FEN demonstrated negative associations with gestational age (GA) and LOH and Wt22 with birth weight (BW). FEN showed positive associations with nil by mouth and intravenous fluid-nutrition days and with DOL to start and achieve full nipple feeding. LOH was associated with days on antibiotics and DOL to start and achieve full nipple feeding. Wt22 was associated with DOL to achieve full nipple feeding. The start day of BOG feeding had no independent associations and weak, highly significant positive correlations with Wt22, LOH, and FEN. Bolus orogastric tube feeding has no independent implications for postnatal growth, duration of hospitalization, or chronological age to attain full enteral nutrition in VPN unless combined with nipple feeding to provide enteral nutrition. Oral bottle feeding accelerates postnatal catch-up growth and full enteral nutrition acquisition while reducing hospitalization duration. Initiating nipple feeding at 32 weeks of postmenstrual age may be safe in stable VPN. Antibiotic therapy increases hospitalization duration.

A pilot study using hospital surveillance and a birth cohort to investigate enteric pathogens and malnutrition in children, Dili, Timor-Leste.

In low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs), enteric pathogens contribute to child malnutrition, affecting nutrient absorption, inducing inflammation, and causing diarrhoea. This is a substantial problem in LMICs due to high disease burden, poor sanitation and nutritional status, and the cyclical nature of pathogen infection and malnutrition. This relationship remains understudied in Timor-Leste. In our pilot study of enteric pathogens and malnutrition in Dili, Timor-Leste (July 2019-October 2020), we recruited 60 infants in a birth cohort from Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares (HNGV) with up to four home visits. We collected faecal samples and details of demographics, anthropometrics, diet and food practices, and animal husbandry. Additionally, we collected faecal samples, diagnostics, and anthropometrics from 160 children admitted to HNGV with a clinical diagnosis of severe diarrhoea or severe acute malnutrition (SAM). We tested faeces using the BioFire® FilmArray® Gastrointestinal Panel. We detected high prevalence of enteric pathogens in 68.8% (95%CI 60.4-76.2%) of infants at home, 88.6% of SAM cases (95%CI 81.7-93.3%) and 93.8% of severe diarrhoea cases (95%CI 67.7-99.7%). Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli and Campylobacter spp. were most frequently detected. Pathogen presence did not significantly differ in birth cohort diarrhoeal stool, but hospital data indicated associations between Salmonella and Shigella and diarrhoea. We observed wasting in 18.4% (95%CI 9.2-32.5%) to 30.8% (95%CI 17.5-47.7%) of infants across home visits, 57.9% (95%CI 34.0-78.9%) of severe diarrhoea cases, and 92.5% (95%CI 86.4-96.2%) of SAM cases. We associated bottle feeding with increased odds of pathogen detection when compared with exclusive breastfeeding at home (OR 8.3, 95%CI 1.1-62.7). We detected high prevalence of enteric pathogens and signs of malnutrition in children in Dili. Our pilot is proof of concept for a study to fully explore the risk factors and associations between enteric pathogens and malnutrition in Timor-Leste.

Effects of Husband Support, Family Income, Employed Mothers, and Antenatal Care Visit on Exclusive Breastfeeding

Background: Breastfeeding is advantageous to the infants health. Employed mothers experienced various challenges in providing exclusive breastfeeding. Studies suggest that husband support contribute to lactating mothers efficacy, improves breastfed duration, and reduces risk factors for bottle feeding. This study aimed to estimate the influence of husband's support, income, working mother, and ANC visits on exclusive breastfeeding.&#x0D; Subjects and Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using PRISMA and PICO model. Population= lactating mothers. Intervention= low husband's support, high income, employed mother, irregular ANC visit. Comparison= high husband's support, low income, unemployed mother, regular ANC visits. Outcome= exclusive breastfeeding. Articles published from 2013 to 2023 were collected from Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct. Literature search using the keywords "family support or husband support" AND "Income" AND "Employment" AND "Antenatal Care Visit" or "ANC Visit" AND "Exclusive Breastfeeding" AND "Cross Sectional". Selected articles were assessed using RevMan 5.3.&#x0D; Results: 18 cross sectional studies from Indonesia, Ethiopia, Somalia, Brazil, Thailand, Taiwan, Jordan, and India were selected for meta-analysis. Total sample was 7,234. High husband's support (aOR= 3.41; 95% CI= 2.36 to 4.91; p= 0.010), regular ANC visits (aOR=1.87; 95% CI= 1.11 to 3.17; p= 0.020) significantly increased exclusive breastfeeding. High income (aOR= 1.11; 95% CI= 0.51 to 2.44; p=0.790) and unemployment mothers (aOR= 1.11; 95% CI= 0.46 to 2.68; p=0.820) increased exclusive breastfeeding, but it was statistically non-significant.&#x0D; Conclusion: High husband support, regular ANC visits, high income, and unemployed mothers increase exclusive breastfeeding.&#x0D; Keywords: husband support, income, employment, antenatal care, exclusive breastfeeding.&#x0D; Correspondence: Reza Widiantoro. Master’s Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret. Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta, Central Java 57126, Indonesia. Email: rezawidiantoro0507@gmail.com. Mobile: +6285701063463.

Prevalence of Diarrhea and Associated Risk Factors among Children Aged Under Five Years Presenting at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital

Diarrhea is among the top ten killers worldwide and in 2015, it accounted for 11% of child deaths globally. Many of these cases are from low and middle-income countries including Uganda. The last Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) report in 2015 showed that the prevalence of childhood diarrhea was 19.5%. The local prevalence in Hoima was not known as no study had been done concerning the subject. The purpose of this study therefore was to identify the prevalence of diarrhea and its associated risk factors among children aged under five years presenting at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was adopted for this study. Data was collected from 241 mother-child pairs using a pretested semi structured questionnaire. Collected data was entered in the computer after cleaning and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were one to get the prevalence of diarrhea while Chi square and binary logistic regression analysis was done to find the independent variables associated with diarrhea among children under 5 years. The prevalence of diarrhea among under 5 years old in this study was 12.4%. The risk of diarrhea was increased in non-working mothers (OR=8.571; CI=2.889-25.426; p&lt;0.001), child’s age between 6 and 24 months (OR=9.098; CI= 3.282-25.220; p&lt;0.001) and unprotected water sources (OR=12.100; CI=3.559-41.133; p&lt;0.001). Christian religion (OR=0.263; CI=0.090- 0.768; p=0.015), and not using bottle feeding (OR=0.229; CI=0.104-0.507; p&lt;0.001) showed a reduced risk of diarrhea. The present study showed a high prevalence of diarrhea among children under five years of age. The independent variables that were found to be associated with diarrhea were mother’s working status, child’s age, source of drinking water, religion and bottle feeding. The results of this study have serious policy implications for health intervention programs and the researcher recommends that promoting women income generating programs may have a significant importance on child health and survival in the study area and Uganda in general. The longterm solution for decreasing morbidity from diarrhea may include the delivery of improved sanitation and hygiene through efficient health educational programs that concentrate on personal hygiene which lead to full sanitation. This should be reinforced in combination with health workers educating households on sanitation and child feeding practices. Keywords: Diarrhea, Children under 5 years, Mothers, Women, Child deaths.

Spatial variations and determinants of bottle feeding among children aged 0-23 months in Ethiopia in 2019: A spatial and multi-level analysis.

Bottle feeding should be avoided since it interferes with optimal breastfeeding and it causes diarrheal-related morbidity and mortality. Despite the WHO's recommendation that children to avoid bottle feeding, it is still widely practiced in developing countries including our country, Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the spatial variations, and determinants of bottle feeding among children aged 0-23 months using the recent demographic and health survey data for Ethiopia. A secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2019 Ethiopian mini demographic and health survey data. The total weighted sample of 2067 children aged 0-23 months was included in this study. Spatial analysis was done to identify the hotspot areas of bottle feeding among children in Ethiopia. Multivariable multilevel logistic regression was used to identify predictors of bottle feeding. The spatial analysis was done using ArcGIS 10.7 and Sat Scan 9.6 software. The prevalence of bottle feeding among children aged 0-23 months was 21.52% with 95% CI(19.80%, 23.34%). Age of the child from 6-11 months, and 12-23 months age, having secondary and above education [AOR = 2.09; 95%CI; 1.31, 3.32], being from middle and rich household [AOR = 2.14; 95%CI; 1.37, 3.34] and [AOR = 2.30; 95%CI; 1.46, 3.63], and twin birth [AOR = 8.06; 95%CI; 2.87, 22.58] were significant predictors of bottle feeding. Hotspot areas of bottle feeding were observed in Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Harari, and Afar regions of Ethiopia. Bottle feeding practice was found to be spatially clustered in Ethiopia. Education, wealth index, parity, and child's age were significant predictors of bottle feeding. Hotspot areas of bottle feeding were observed in Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Harari, and Afar regions. Special attention should be directed towards mothers residing in hotspot areas, educated mothers, mothers of multiple births, and mothers from rich households through community education programs focused on child feeding practices to reduce the practice of bottle-feeding in Ethiopia.

Non-biological factors associated with postpartum depression among women in Shenzhen: a case-control study.

Postpartum depression (PPD) presents a significant public health challenge. While PPD's impact extends from maternal health to child development, cultural stigma and a lack of public awareness, particularly in developing countries, contribute to its underestimation and under diagnosed. This study investigated the non-biological associated factors for PPD in Shenzhen city due to its unique socioeconomic landscape, where rapid urbanization and migrant influx could uniquely impact maternal mental health. By identifying local PPD determinants, the research aimed to contribute to targeted mental health interventions in the region. Data were collected from May to December 2019 at the Luohu Maternal and Child Health Medical Center, Shenzhen. Inclusion criteria were postpartum women without psychiatric histories who live within the locality. The Chinese Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was utilized to confirm PPD diagnosis. Participant information including demographics, economic status and postnatal factors were collected via structured questionnaires. Statistical analyses of t-tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression, were performed using SPSS 20.0, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. The study included 430 healthy mothers and 73 PPD mothers. Several factors were found to significantly influence the onset of PPD (p < 0.05): age (OR = 0.921, 95% CI: 0.864-0.981); living with in-laws (OR = 2.133, 95% CI: 1.108-4.106); bottle feeding (OR = 3.757, 95% CI: 1.567-9.006); prenatal depression (OR = 3.515, 95% CI: 1.61-7.675); prenatal anxiety (OR = 6.072, 95% CI: 3.209-11.49); and adverse life events during pregnancy (OR = 3.287, 95% CI: 1.165-9.269). Other factors were not found to have a significant effect. Our study found that in the developed city of Shenzhen in Southern China, living with in-laws, exclusive bottle feeding, prenatal anxiety, depression, and adverse life events are non-biological associated factors for postpartum depression. The findings emphasize the importance of considering a range of factors when addressing maternal mental health within a specific local regions. It calls for targeted interventions or prevention program that take into considering the specific cultural, social, and individual factors.

Knowledge, Attitude and Barriers to Dental Treatment of Mothers Regarding Early Childhood Caries: A Cross-sectional Survey from Taif Province, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: “Early Childhood Caries (ECC), also called ‘baby bottle tooth decay’ or ‘early childhood tooth decay,’ significantly affects infants and children aged six or younger, causing cavities and with lasting impacts on oral health and overall well-being. Its global prevalence concerns healthcare professionals and policymakers due to its multifactorial nature, influenced by diet, oral hygiene, socio-economic factors, and maternal awareness. Mothers, as primary caregivers during early childhood, play a crucial role in ECC prevention and early intervention. Aim: This study examines mothers’ knowledge and attitude regarding ECC and risk factors associated with children’s dental health, to determine difficulties in dental therapy in Taif, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey design in the province of Taif, Saudi Arabia, a random sample of 288 mothers of healthy children aged three to seven years were surveyed. A structured questionnaire containing 26 close ended questions was used to gather information regarding the socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitude of the mothers regarding ECC, as well as barriers to dental care. The questionnaire was originally drafted in English and then translated into Arabic by a professional translator. Using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, an analysis and a representation of data was performed. Results: More than half of the mothers 57.63% (n=166) understood the relation between poor dental health and hygiene and a child’s ability to learn, and 20.13% (n=58) didn’t know if poor dental health can impair a child’s ability to learn (p=0.02). The notion that a visit to the dentist should begin within six months of the appearance of milk teeth was agreed with by 55.55% (n=160) of the mothers, while 28.81% (n=83) of them didn’t know the proper time for a child’s first visit to the dentist (p=0.03). Only 22.22% of the mothers didn’t know what the nearest dental center to them was. Conclusion: The present study revealed that mothers did have awareness of different aspects of oral health and dental caries, several mothers exhibited unfavorable attitudes toward oral health practices, which could set a negative example for their children.

Comparison of the introduction of consistencies in complementary feeding introduction between preterm and full-term newborns - Cohort from 0 to 12 months.

To compare the introduction of consistencies during the period of complementary feeding of preterm and full-term newborns up to 12 months of life, as well as to evaluate the presence of oral motor dysfunction and its relation to difficulty in introducing food consistencies in these groups. This is an observational, analytical, cohort study, with ambispective data collection, carried out at the Municipal Department of Health of Mafra, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The study sample consisted of 87 newborns, 41 full-term and 46 preterm. While data was collected, interviews were held with the mothers/guardians. The anthropometric assessment was carried out by a nutritionist by measuring body weight, length, and head circumference, followed by assessment of oral and functional motor skills by the adapted Clinical Evaluation Protocol of Pediatric Dysphagia (PAD-PED), assessment of breastfeeding and neuropsychomotor development, and assessment of the presence of maternal depression and psychological risk of children with up to 12 months of corrected age. We verified oral motor dysfunction in 15 newborns, in both groups, in the liquid consistency in the first assessment, persisting in two cases in the full-term newborns and in three cases in the preterm infants, in the last assessment for the solid consistency. We observed no difference in the introduction of food consistencies between groups. Breastfeeding was more frequent in newborns in the first assessment and similar in other assessments. Regarding the predictors for oral motor dysfunction, bottle feeding increased the odds by about seven times and invasive oral procedures by about six times.

Comparação da introdução das consistências na introdução da alimentação complementar entre recém-nascidos prematuros e a termo - Coorte de 0 a 12 meses

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare the introduction of consistencies during the period of complementary feeding of preterm and full-term newborns up to 12 months of life, as well as to evaluate the presence of oral motor dysfunction and its relation to difficulty in introducing food consistencies in these groups. Methods This is an observational, analytical, cohort study, with ambispective data collection, carried out at the Municipal Department of Health of Mafra, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The study sample consisted of 87 newborns, 41 full-term and 46 preterm. While data was collected, interviews were held with the mothers/guardians. The anthropometric assessment was carried out by a nutritionist by measuring body weight, length, and head circumference, followed by assessment of oral and functional motor skills by the adapted Clinical Evaluation Protocol of Pediatric Dysphagia (PAD-PED), assessment of breastfeeding and neuropsychomotor development, and assessment of the presence of maternal depression and psychological risk of children with up to 12 months of corrected age. Results We verified oral motor dysfunction in 15 newborns, in both groups, in the liquid consistency in the first assessment, persisting in two cases in the full-term newborns and in three cases in the preterm infants, in the last assessment for the solid consistency. Conclusion We observed no difference in the introduction of food consistencies between groups. Breastfeeding was more frequent in newborns in the first assessment and similar in other assessments. Regarding the predictors for oral motor dysfunction, bottle feeding increased the odds by about seven times and invasive oral procedures by about six times.